The Canadian government has received praise from Arctic security experts after acquiring the Inuvik hangar in the northwestern territories for $8.6 million. Residents of northern Canada and Arctic security experts expressed relief over the purchase, which had attracted foreign interest and caused concern. The hangar spans 21,000 square feet and was put up for sale two years ago, previously leased by the Department of National Defence under a long-term agreement that ended in 2021 when the lease was terminated. According to reports, pressure from the United States prompted the government to buy the facility after it was put up for sale, due to clear Russian and Chinese interest in the location.

Several community figures weighed in on the event. Clarence Wood, Mayor of Inuvik, remarked, “I think it’s the best idea the government of Canada has had in a long time.” He acknowledged having knowledge of its sale months ago, though it was not publicly disclosed. Wood had been writing to the Department of National Defence for years regarding the hangar, addressing broader issues concerning Canadian Arctic security and advocating for a military base in Inuvik. He emphasized, “This hangar also stores NORAD equipment. So to me, it was critical that the government buy it,” underscoring its strategic importance in relation to the Arctic coastline, environmental changes, and climate.